Native Foods, Native Stories series at the Bishop Museum

By Martha Cheng

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Hawaiians didn't exist on fish and poi alone. The Bishop Museum presents a series that sheds light on four other significant foods—‘awa, ‘ulu (breadfruit), ‘uala (sweet potato) and he‘e (octopus)—which also represent four major Hawaiian gods: Kane, Ku, Lono and Kanaloa.

The museum, in collaboration with the Department of Native Hawaiian Health at UH Manoa's medical school, kicks off the program tomorrow (February 2) with an ‘awa lecture: The Ceremonial and Social Usages of Awa in Hawaii, Then and Now. (6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., $10)

The series continues with an ‘ulu workshop, which includes lectures, ‘ulu tree sales and an ‘ulu tasting, presented in part by the Breadfruit Institute. (March 17, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., $20)

Keale, known as a musician and for his work with native species, presents the ‘uala lecture: A Force for Life, Health and Genealogical Connection. (April 12, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., $10)

The Kawelo family, who have lived, fished and cared for Kaneohe Bay for generations, will share stories and hunting and cooking stories on he‘e. (May 10, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., $10)

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From five-star restaurants to hidden holes-in-the-wall, Biting Commentary will let you know what’s hot and what’s not. Find out the latest restaurant news—who’s opening, who’s closing, which chef is moving on, where the great special dinners are. Discover the best menu items, fabulous wines, stunning cocktails, hand-crafted beers.

Our food and Biting Commentary editor Martha Cheng graduated from Wellesley College with degrees in Computer Science and English. She's a former line cook, food truck owner, Peace Corps volunteer and Google techie. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @marthacheng.